FOG (Fats, Oils, Grease) Program
Fats, Oil, Grease Program
Grease is a problem that affects your pipes and ours.
As the City of Wilsonville continues to grow, so do the demands on public infrastructure. Oil and grease from kitchen drains accumulate in the pipes in the sewer system. As grease cools, the fat hardens and pipe capacity decreases. Repairing and cleaning sewer lines is costly and time-consuming. Blocked sewer pipes can cause sewer backups in basements and sewer overflows from manholes. These sewage overflows are not only expensive but threaten public health and the environment.
In order to prevent damage to the City’s sewer system and the wastewater treatment plant, the City has a Fat, Oil & Grease (FOG) program through SwiftComply.
For Businesses:
Food Service Establishments (FSE) are the main source of FOG and food waste and are required to install a grease removal device with approval through the City. In many cases FSEs that don’t use oil or fry foods will still produce FOG from associated food products.
If your facility qualifies as a Food Service Establishment as defined in the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code:
“A facility that engages in the activities of preparing or serving food or beverage for consumption either on or off the premises, including but not limited to restaurants, cafes, commercial kitchens, caterers, hotels/motels, schools, hospitals, prisons, correctional facilities, nursing homes, care institutions, and any other facility preparing and or serving food/beverage shall have a Pretreatment system (Grease Interceptor) to protect the public sewer.”
The City began using SwiftComply in February (2020) to collect FOG reports and track compliance. FSEs with grease removal devices are required to enroll in SwiftComply, to enroll click here.
The City is part of the Preferred Pumper Program. Preferred Pumpers are companies that pump out FOG and work with local sewer agencies to establish a standard of cleaning and reporting procedures for grease removal devices. For more information, visit the Preferred Pumpers page.
Grease Interceptor Tips (courtesy of Clean Water Services)
For Residents:
The City of Wilsonville provides free Freeze the Grease kits for residents. Prevent backups in your home by pouring all grease and oil from cooking into a can, putting in the freezer then tossing it in the trash. Stop by the City of Wilsonville’s Public Works Department for a Freeze the Grease kit.
Do:
- Scrape food scraps into the trash or compost bin
- Use a strainer in the sink to catch food scraps and other material and empty the strainer into the trash or compost bin
- Pour grease into steel cans, let it harden and throw it in the trash
- Stop using your garbage disposal or minimize its use
- Wipe pots, pans and dishes with dry paper towels before rinsing or washing them, then throw paper towels in the garbage
- Rinse dishes and pans with cold water before putting them in the dishwasher
Don’t:
- Don’t pour grease down sink drains or toilets
- Don’t use cloth towels or rags to scape oil or grease off plates and utensils because grease will drain to the sewer when you wash the towels
- Don’t run water over dishes, pans, fryers or griddles to wash oil and grease down the drain
Freeze the Grease, Save the Drain (courtesy of Clean Water Services)
Keep Your Pipes Fat Free (courtesy of City of Portland)
Contact:
503-570-1551
